Would Caroline’s solicitor’s letter offering him £1,500 make Joe feel more comfortable?

[Joe] “That sounds alright.”

Eddie’s not so sure. He reckons they shouldn’t say yes straight away.

[Eddie] “I don’t reckon you’re in a well enough state to make such an important decision.”

In Eddie’s humble (!) opinion, Joe has a watertight case against Grey Gables. So, he can afford to negotiate. Joe does not concur – he’s worried that he won’t get anything if he says no to this first offer.

[Eddie] “There’s no way you’ll lose, no way.”

Hmmm.

He might.

And if he does get more, at what cost to their friends and neighbours?

Methinks it’s Eddie that’s not in the right state to be making this type of decision.

[Eddie] “I reckon dad should get more.”

[Clarrie] “I think it’s up to Joe.”

Quite.

Shires to the rescue

So, Eddie reckons Joe isn’t fit to make a decision about Caroline’s offer. But, he is fit enough to be forced to go to The Bull.

[Eddie] “If you can drink a cup of tea, you can manage a pint of Shires.”

(eh???)

Anyhoo – Eddie does manage to persuade Joe along to The Bull. Oliver also happens to be there.

[Oliver] “How are you feeling?”

[Eddie, fuming] “How do you think he’s feeling? He’s enjoying the company of his friends.”

[Oliver, rather taken aback] “Sorry to disturb you …”

When Oliver leaves them be:

[Joe] “He’s our Edward’s landlord!”

That’s done it for Joe. He wants to go home, but Eddie won’t let him. One suspects Eddie is trying to convince himself that if Joe’s in the pub, all must be well.

Others can see it isn’t:

[Kenton, to Oliver] “Shocking isn’t it, Joe looking so frail.”

[Oliver] “I seemed to have caused offense just by going over there.”

Kenton reckons Eddie was bound to have a pop. Oliver just hopes he hasn’t made matters worse.

Eddie finally realises that Joe is beyond exhausted, so they finally go home.

[Eddie to Clarrie] “He just sat there, watching the world go by, like he wasn’t part of it anymore.”

[Clarrie] “He will be again. Once he’s stronger. “

[Eddie] “What if he …”

Oh dear.

Eddie obviously thinks the worst.

[Clarrie] “We’re not helping him if we keep worrying about the future.”

She reckons that if they stay positive, Joe will begin to feel positive as well.

Hmmm …

Kathy’s gainfully employed

Caroline starts by offering the Health Club manager’s job to Kathy. Temporarily.

Then, oddly, starts to interview her, asking what her job was at the Golf Club, and what happened to make her leave. Course, that opens the floodgate for Kathy talking about Martyn.

[Kathy] “He did make some good points … but he was never satisfied.”

Oops.

Never burns one’s bridges, Kathy. It’s just not the done thing to be negative in an interview about your last job.